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LONDON: Plans to erect a floating walkway on the River Thames, affording spectacular views of forgotten parts of the city, got a major boost on Friday by securing up to 60 million pounds in funding. London Mayor Boris Johnson said the kilometer-long pontoon design, known as "the London River Park," won financing from Singapore-based asset managers, Venus Group.
The structure, that will rise and fall with the tidal river, will link Blackfriars Bridge, on the western edge of the old city, and run almost to the Tower of London in the east. The design, by architects Gensler, is subject to planning permission and approval by the City of London Corporation and other agencies.
"We will proceed sensitively, working closely with our partners ... to ensure that one of the most famous and cherished waterfronts in the world is enhanced for the benefit of our great capital," the mayor said, calling it "spectacular." The elegant structure allows visitors to hop on and off the walkway via gangways allowing them to explore landmarks, alleys and disused wharves close to the shore.
The structure, that will rise and fall with the tidal river, will link Blackfriars Bridge, on the western edge of the old city, and run almost to the Tower of London in the east. The design, by architects Gensler, is subject to planning permission and approval by the City of London Corporation and other agencies.
"We will proceed sensitively, working closely with our partners ... to ensure that one of the most famous and cherished waterfronts in the world is enhanced for the benefit of our great capital," the mayor said, calling it "spectacular." The elegant structure allows visitors to hop on and off the walkway via gangways allowing them to explore landmarks, alleys and disused wharves close to the shore.
